Newspaper readerships and profits are in decline across the country. So perhaps it’s a canny, albeit unpredictable, move by the Evening Standard to hire the Former Chancellor of the Exchequer to become its latest editor.
Unless of course he tried to run the newspaper with an 83% budget deficit.
Osborne, who will begin his new job in May, said: ‘This is such an exciting and challenging job and I’m thrilled to take it on.’
He added, ‘Growing up as a Londoner, I’ve always known that the Evening Standard is an institution that plays a huge part in the life of the city and its people. Now it is a great honour that I can play a part as leader of the editorial team making the Evening Standard the definitive voice of the world’s most exciting city.’,
But not everyone is so excited about the announcement. To say that the appointment has fallen on unaccommodating ears in the cut-throat journalist community is putting it mildly. Before long the internet and social media were awash with jokes about his new “direction” for the newspaper.
CC @David_Cameron, @Ed_Miliband https://t.co/AX9tL1bdxh
— Rohit Kachroo (@RohitKachrooITV) March 17, 2017
Included among the many media figures trolling the new editor online was Piers Morgan who offered a ’20-point memo’ advising ‘how to edit a national newspaper’.
My new @DailyMail column is a 20-point memo to @George_Osborne on how to edit a national newspaper. Posting soon. pic.twitter.com/nFK2o31F0q
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 20, 2017
Far more seriously, opposition MPs suggested that Osborne’s new position would directly conflict with his duties in parliament. He responded by saying: ‘I am proud to be a Conservative MP, but as editor and leader of a team of dedicated and independent journalists, our only interest will be to give a voice to all Londoners.’
Osborne defended his new career move with a joke
However, yesterday in the House of Commons George Osborne’s decision to accept his new position was scrutinised following the introduction of an urgent question by Labour. Osborne defended his new career move with a joke. He claimed: ‘I thought it was important to be here, though unfortunately we have missed the deadline of the Evening Standard.’ His response was met with a mixed response including as many cheers as jeers.
He continued to explain, ‘in my view, Mr Speaker, this parliament is enhanced when we have people from all walks of life and different experience in the debate and when people who have held senior ministerial office continue to contribute to the debate.’
Despite Osborne’s comments, the House of Commons Standards committee will be considering his case later today. Likewise it has been reported that Kathryn Hudson, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, has received numerous email complaints about his new position.
News of Osborne’s induction into the newsroom also comes just weeks after he was being splashed all over their pages for another job he had accepted.
Following the publication of the register of members’ financial interests at the House of Commons it was widely reported that Osborne would be paid £650k per year for just four days work a month.
‘I am excited to be working with the BlackRock Investment Institute (BII) as an advisor,’ Osborne said, also explaining that ‘BlackRock wants better outcomes for pensioners and savers – and I want to help them deliver that. It’s a chance for me to work part-time with one of the world’s most respected firms and a major employer in Britain.’
A Blackrock spokesperson speaking to Gentleman’s Journal claimed: ‘As a senior advisor to BII, based in London, Osborne will provide perspectives on European politics and policy, Chinese economic reform, and trends such as low yields and longevity and their impact on retirement planning. In accordance with UK law, Osborne will not engage in any lobbying of the British government.’
#GeorgeOsborne looking around for any upcoming job opportunities pic.twitter.com/bDOKFUClh0
— James Davies (@jamesorharry) March 20, 2017
Meanwhile, Evgeny Lebedev took to Twitter to express his opinion on his new choice as editor.
1/ Thrilled to announce the new editor of the @EveningStandard is @George_Osborne…
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) March 17, 2017
2/ …I am proud to have an editor of such substance, who reinforces The Standard's standing and influence in London…
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) March 17, 2017
3/… and whose political viewpoint – socially liberal and economically pragmatic – closely matches that of many of our readers…
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) March 17, 2017
4/… George is London through and through and I am confident he is the right person to build on the fantastic legacy of Sarah Sands.
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) March 17, 2017
So, how will Gideon’s Bible fare against the much-received criticism? Watch this space…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
